NFL Mock Draft 2013: Pre-Free Agency Edition
By Josh Sanchez
Warmack is an incredible talent, but as David DeCastro showed just a year ago, the guard position is not as valued in today’s NFL. Luckily for the Rams, they have two first-round picks and desperately need offensive line help. There is no better way to boost your offensive line than with a top-tier prospect at a position of need.
The Steelers need to add youth to the defensive unit and need to add depth after releasing veteran James Harrison. Moore is a talented prospect that is sliding because of poor combine tests, but the kid can flat out ball. Moore would provide the Steelers a pass rush and he could immediately step in to a camp battle with Jason Worilds, who has not won over the coaching staff.
The Cowboys highly value Vaccaro and have needed help at safety for nearly half of the past decade. After the release of Gerald Sensabaugh, the Cowboys need for safety help is at an all-time high. It is very possible that the Cowboys could look to move up in the draft to land Vaccaro, but one thing is for sure — they are certainly making the former Longhorns star their top priority.
Werner was once viewed as a top three prospect, but it’s clear that he is more of a player that is solid in every area without being special in any single category. That delivers a minor blow to his draft stock, but don’t be worried, he is still a very reliable and consistent player that can generate pressure.
There is every indication that Johnson could shoot up to the top fifteen, but with the way this mock draft played out he was available at pick twenty. That would be a beautiful situation for the Bears if they miss out on the top offensive tackles on the free agent market.
A lot of people continue to bash Manti Te’o, but the harsh reality is that the kid can play and there is no way he makes it out of the first-round. With the Bengals allowing most of their free agents to walk, it would be a surprise if they didn’t pull the trigger on Te’o.
Danny Amendola seems like he is out the door and the Rams will need a slot receiver and return game contributor to step in to fill the void. There is no player more dynamic than Austin. He is incredible in tight spaces and would be a brilliant slot receiver for the teams. If they could land Warmack and Austin, they would be clear winners of day one.
Hopking is more of an under-the-radar receiver and may not be viewed as highly by the general public as Keenan Allen, but the Allen’s stock is sliding and Hopkins continues to rise. With Percy Harvin headed to Seattle in exchange for draft picks, the team needs to find reliable receiving options for young signal-caller Christian Ponder. If Harvin is out the door, Hopkins is a capable replacement and could even develop to be a more well-rounded and productive receiver than Harvin.
The Colts made a big investment in Andrew Luck with the first-overall pick just a season ago. When you make that kind of investment in a big time player that is instrumental for your team’s success, you need to do everything in your power to be sure you protect him.
With an additional first-round pick, the Vikings can look to add some help along the defensive line. Sylvester Williams would be a great option to plug in the middle of the line in a move that would help take some pressure off of Jared Allen.
Johnathan Cyprien is a fascinating safety prospect that is getting recognition as the second-ranked player at his position. Cyprien is viewed a borderline first-round prospect, but not every team runs a coverage scheme like the Packers. For Green Bay, Cyprien is a beautiful fit that would solve a lot of their questions at the safety position. Johnathan Cyprien is certainly a name to keep an eye on.
27.
– Matt Barkley, Quarterback, USC
The Texans may not take Barkley here, but this would be a perfect area for a team to trade back into the first-round for their future franchise quarterback. The Texans would then be able to trade back and pick up extra draft picks while adding a player like Keenan Allen to line up across from Andre Johnson. If the team sticks with the pick and goes with Barkley, they would have a long-term replacement for Schaub, who will turn 32-years-old before the start of next season.
28.
– Kawann Short, Defensive Tackle, Purdue
Kawann Short was dominant at the collegiate level and possesses a rare combination of speed and strength. A number of Broncos defensive linemen could be leaving through free agency, and there is no logical reason for the team to keep Mitch Unrein as a potential starter if they can add a talent like Short.
Williams is a versatile defensive lineman that could provide a boost to the Patriots defense front. Williams could move all around the Patriots defensive line and give Bill Belichick the type of defensive lineman that he likes to have. Vince Wilfork has the nose tackle position locked up, but Williams would provide an immediate upgrade over Brandon Deadrick and add an interior rush to the team’s defense. He has a non-stop motor and is going to bring it on every play.
30.
– Datone Jones, Defensive End, UCLA
Datone Jones created a lot of buzz during senior bowl week in Mobile, Alabama. With the team releasing John Abraham at the beginning of the month, they could benefit from a talented defensive end. There is a chance that Abraham could come back before the start of next season, but it never hurts to have some young depth on the roster.
Ian Williams, a former undrafted free agent, is currently slated to be the team’s starting nose tackle in 2013. If San Francisco could land a player like Hankins, who is the best pure nose tackle prospect in this year’s draft class, they will stay right on track and remain a Super Bowl favorite. San Francisco doesn’t have many holes on their roster, but they do have loads of draft picks. It also wouldn’t be a surprise to see the team trade up and land one of the premier defensive linemen prospects.
Ray Lewis is gone and the team needs to add talent to the middle of their defense. Minter is a smart, hard-hitting linebacker who excels against the run. He is a very fierce and aggressive linebacker that would fit perfectly into the Ravens defensive. He has the necessary attitude that the team will need to continue Ray Lewis’ swagger.